DID YOU KNOW: Pollinators are necessary for the reproduction of nearly 85 percent of the world’s flowering plants, including about three-quarters of crop species. Bees especially are important for the pollination of most of our crop plants.

Bees make it possible for us to enjoy a variety of foods, many of which would no longer be available in the absence of bee pollination. But bee populations are declining. Honey bees for example are suffering from a combination of stress factors including loss of habitat, parasites and diseases, and pesticide exposure. Unfortunately many wild pollinators are faring even worse. A recent analysis by the Xerces Society for example, found that nearly 30% of North America’s bumble bee species may now be at risk of extinction!

We care about bees - and about the overall health of the agricultural ecosystem. We are committed to:

Supporting research into bee health.

Following certified organic practices, which rely on natural biological systems for pest and weed control thus avoiding use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides.

Working to restore wildflower-rich habitat on farms, a strategy that is demonstrated to reverse the decline of wild pollinators and improve the health of honey bees. In fact, research being conducted across the world now shows that farms with enough natural habitat can support all the wild pollinators necessary to pollinate nearby crops.

Want to help? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Plant native wildflowers for bees – and don’t worry, unlike wasps, most wild bees are gentle and unlikely to sting.

Create homes for bees, such as brush piles and bumble bee boxes. Share your efforts with others to bring more awareness to the plight of the bees.

Support the Xerces Society:

The Xerces Society is a non-profit organization that works on behalf of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to raise awareness, support ground-breaking research, and restore native wildflower habitats across the country.

The Pollinator Protection Pledge is part of the Xerces Society’s Bring Back the Pollinators campaign. By signing the pledge you make the commitment to do the following to protect pollinators and their habitat:

Grow a variety of bee-friendly flowers that bloom
from spring through fall.

Protect and provide bee nests and caterpillar
host plants.

Avoid using pesticides, especially insecticides

Talk to my neighbors about the importance of
pollinators and their habitat